New Zealand roots reggae band Katchafire are heading back to Australian soil to tour their compilation album, ‘Best So Far’.
“It's about making people aware that we've been together for ten years, we've put out four albums and we managed to pick out 21 tracks that we thought was some of our best work,” guitarist Logan Bell explains. “Our live show over the last ten years has kind of evolved into this 'best of' mash up and all the songs that the crowds react to the most. That tends to change from country to country, so we've kind of tailor made it for our Aussie crowd.”
The band are in the middle of their world tour and will be playing shows in Australia throughout October.
“We're stoked to get back there and connect with our Australian fans and all the Kiwis over there and all the new fans we're going to make. Straight after Australia we've got Brazil. Then we've got the summer festival circuit at home and next year we're taking off and doing the world tour thing again. Europe, UK, USA, South America. We're adding Japan, Indonesia and a few more to the list.”
Katchafire recently played Glastonbury, but Bell says they're looking forward to getting back to playing basic headline shows.
“I like the intimacy of a smaller show. But that's what we try and create with our headline shows. You know, we try and create big numbers with a nice intimate vibe with your crowd. That's what I think a lot of the artists try and do when they're playing stadiums and on that level. We see more and more of that, trying to connect with your fans. I think that's what I love about the intimacy, more of a connection.”
An almost non-stop tour schedule over the last ten years has taken a toll on the band and their families, but Bell says their tight bond keeps them motivated.
“We've done a lot of big things and I think our biggest achievement is being able to stay together. Full credit to the boys for keeping it tight and definitely being a strong unit. We've all got kids and partners that are a huge help, they're the backbone really. All our kids are used to us going away for long lengths and they just know that their dads have a job to do.”
Katchafire planned to release an EP before their next album, but scrapped the idea to focus entirely on a new record. As the band wrap up their 'Best So Far' world tour, they prepare to begin work on that LP.
“We're not actually doing the EP thing anymore,” Bell confirms; “it's more of an album. We're just going to keep going on the album. We're always learning and evolving in the studio. Being blessed with some of the big names that we've worked with is always a great learning opportunity. You always take that with you on a journey and try to use it to make your next work better. We are putting a deadline [for the album] on April or May next year.”
Katchafire play Byron Bay Brewery October 3, Caloundra Music Festival October 4, The Hi-Fi October 13 and Parkwood Tavern October 20.
